Tell Me What They Taught YOU... HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!

 Tell Me What They Taught YOU

The way YOU treat people will give THEM a life of lessons…

And they might remember your name... just saying...

Move accordingly! 😉

HAPPY NEW YEAR/ HAPPY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH/ HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY Y’ALL!!! I wanted to end the year with this post, but I let time get away from me…I admit! However, we’ll start the year (new month, sorta) off with some food for thought. While it may not bring you luck like collard greens, black-eyed peas and a rabbit's foot…Mmmmhmmm HA! 

I hope it engages YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

 

I want this post to seem sensitive…

because it is…

but also self-reflective…

because it is…

but also, to help strengthen our level of compassion…

because we all need more.

Tell Me what they taught you…I wanna know!

Girl, first of all… WHO ARE ‘THEY’? what are WE talking about?

Is this a group, parent(s), 1^st grade teacher, friends…WHO?

They are the ones that raised you, grew you, expanded you and/or made a turning point in your life …so whoever/whomever, they are…

What did they teach YOU?

 I won’t get into the specifics of the “they” in my life but some specific things ‘they’ taught me…I want YOU to know for yourself and teach them to someone else.

Remember how I told y’all that I’m privy to some ‘interesting’ conversations…well they are still going on and it has me wondering…

what have some people been taught? Like… have you directly been taught this, or did someone’s actions (or lack thereof) teach you this…why is this a part of your conversation, thought process, values, etc.?

Maybe I should change this to ‘everything a daughter should know’ ???? Hmm?

IDK but I want this information out in the world on one page…

 

IT HAS TO BE SAID.

                                  

1. YOU don’t beg anyone to care about YOU. Either they do or they don’t… just let them know what is important to you.

2. You’re no one’s savior even if you've helped them. Making yourself feel obligated to someone when you’re not a licensed professional to deal with their situation(s) is dangerous. Pray and keep it moving.

3. You’re loved and filled with Purpose…nothing will EVER change that.

 

4. No one’s beauty compares to yours…I don’t care what anybody says…GIRL, NO ONE IS YOU.  

        I NEED YOU to understand that you’re beautiful without looking outside the mirror. My mother taught me that I am who I am without any other opinion, it is instilled in me from childhood. I met someone that tried to mar my thoughts of self…I no longer know that person. Trying to make me feel the same size as you will never keep me in the same room with you…no, thank you. Go. Vai.

 

But seriously…once YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT YOURSELF…STOP looking for outside confirmation of YOUR BEAUTY.

5. Your choices are yours. Don’t be (a)shamed for putting you first. There will always be someone ready to blame YOU…so own what you do, the good and bad. And keep it pushing.

 

6. Protecting your peace reflects valuing your peace. I’ll be the first to admit that there are parts of the day when I love drama and being a drama queen… BAYBAY but for comedy reasons! The drama I bring tends to be for hilarious or educational purposes. I am not about to start a conversation with someone about something that I know is going to stress me out and not provide any solutions. No, thank you. This does not mean that I don’t let people vent to me, I do, I listen. BUT you listen to my thoughts after, PHAHAHa!

7. The appearance of power will never replace actual power. Take a deep breath and think on that.

 8.  If you change your mind, it’s changed. Learning not to say sorry WILL be a HARD lesson, and I mean hard but necessary. Especially because we say sorry and don’t mean it, way too often.

 

9.   Ignoring warning signs can cost you your life. If they had pre-stalker behavior in the beginning…it will only increase. For example, in the beginning you decided this wasn’t for you, blocked their number because it was done…but soon after, they purchased a new number to get in contact with you. Seems harmless to some but the reality is that this individual is not going to keep getting a new number but find other ways to track you down. The same goes with people you first meet, especially at your job or similar environments. If you think it's something 'off' about them...KEEP YOUR DISTANCE, don't get up close trying to figure them out...TRUST ME, LEAVE THEM ALONE---I've been taught this lesson more than once. Cheers to me actually learning it!

10.  Don’t waste too many people’s time…one or two but don’t make it a habit! This could be dangerous like #9… Some people really think you’re ‘the one’ and wasting their time will hurt.

11.   Everybody does not need to know where and how you live. Stop inviting everybody over and giving out the access code. Protect your space and you’ll know the people and things/habits drilling a hole in your “boat.”

 

 

12. Set up boundaries…they will literally save your life one day whether it is mental or physical.

13.  Lastly, YOU ARE God’s gift. To quote Aaliyah, ‘I’m not just anybody.’ People should know that it is a privilege to know YOU because… well, it is! --More on this later!!

Hey, I hope this was helpful, insightful, and encouraging for the next phase of life! Cheers to a great 2022!!

See you around the world somewhere,

Ms GYC Girl YOU Crazy, Lauren Alicia 

How to Walk Worthy

“Honesty of self will always look good on you.”-Your Mirror

“Worthy is an attitude formed within, stemmed from truth and carried out.”-The definition of worthy

I think one of my most used phrases of GYC is definitely  “walk worthy”…

Whether you are the person saying,

“Yes Girl,”

“Here we go again…”

Or “what is she talking about???” 

You’ve seen it, and agreed or disagreed with it!

It’s cool… either way that’s why I’m writing this post…

One night, last week, I was attempting to go to sleep…pjs on, lights out, computer off…but my thoughts kept going!!

I’m thinking what is left to say in this day…and I soon realized… what was left to say was a reminder for tomorrow and all the other days to follow:

Walk worthy where I’m called, no matter how I’m feeling or decisions I’m facing.

And then,

The “How to” instructions started pouring in…and I just have to share them with YOU!!!

Side Note: The content of this post was written in the dark, on my phone, and in a text message draft. “When the inner self is talking…let it talk and you better listen!”

So, lets get into it!!!

How to Walk Worthy

1.   Know who you are.

I know it’s simply stated (often) but many times the truth of it is found in what do you answer to? There are times when a situation will happen and YOU, ME, WE may respond like humans, which may be out of character but nevertheless…it happens, and people may try to trash/take/mar/diminish/strip you of WHO YOU say YOU ARE.  But when the drama cools down, everyone goes their separate ways, and you’re left with your own thoughts… do you know who you are outside of people’s commentary.

GYC Side Note: Over the years, I’ve noticed that people will say certain things to me because they know it takes a lot for outside comments to bother me…and I will simply carry on. BUT as I started to grow in WHO I am and realize different depths of my worth…the things people said still didn’t bother me but the fact that people thought they could say these things to me…DID, it demonstrated what I allowed/tolerated, which didn’t affirm/agree/uplift my worth and who I know I am. If I continue to allow them to be present in my life or present as if nothing happened…well, YOU tell me!

Because I know who I am, I am going to walk worthy.

2.   Know what you stand for.

When we know who we are…what we stand for follows.

3.   Know what you deserve.

When we know who we are, what we stand for…what we deserve  shall not be compromised, even when LIFE happens.

4.   Admit to yourself when you are weak.

When life happens and/or you feel like you lack in abilities or courage, etc. admit it to yourself, be honest, allow for error, forgive yourself…just because we know WHO we are doesn’t make us perfect but it will continue to qualify us as worthy.

5.   Welcome strength.

After you admit when you’re weak…welcome strength because it comes from within…and will always be available.

We are worthy of strength when we’re weak. Keep walking…life isn’t over!

6.   Encourage yourself.

Everyday, we live an inspirational story. What’s your story?

7.   Remind yourself daily, hourly, in times of focus and un-focus that WE, YOU are designed with great purpose and have been enabled to fulfill it.

8.  Respect yourself, your journey and the journey of others...we are all in the process of something.

9.   Take joy like medicine.

10.                Remember the fact that you are designed with purpose means your life has promise...allow it to be fulfilled.

And lastly,

11.                Keep your head up, throw your shoulders back and believe that you're worthy, humbly with confidence.

Defeating Crazy with Courageous,

Lauren Alicia… Miss GYCGirl…Walking Worthy!!!

P.S. All the crazy in the world couldn’t stop the courage that lives within...so demonstrate it!

Live YOUR Worth.

The Past, The Present & My Future

“The process of success is meant to strengthen us, and be re-told to encourage those after us.”- The Truth about the Process

Whether you admit it or not…the dreams you pursue/go after/run towards today are because you realized opposition didn’t outweigh the passion in your heart (to see your dreams in your reality)…

But HOW do YOU get there…and HOW do YOU stay there?!?!

“I may not know where you’re going…but I know it’s worth the fight!”

So what is this post about???

I started GYC GirlYOU Crazy because so many young girls are not allowed the chance to dream, or pushed to live their dreams...out loud. However, there are many women (and young women/girls) that have something to share with young women at the same time.

GYC Girl YOU Crazy’s Blog aims to change discouraging perception with lasting impressions through relative posts and Q & A. Flipping the meaning of something playful that can discourage, keeping it playful but using the phrase as fuel to accomplish and finish your dream with great expectation and a smile. “Girl YOU Crazy”…”Am I ???”

Want to Inspire, Support & Dream with one another?

*This is where YOU come in*

Share/Help/Support to remember or dream a new dream…Inspire to Encourage young women & women of all ages!

Do YOU wish someone inspired you? Or Maybe YOU’re inspired and going after your dreams right now---at whatever age!!! Choose to inspire by sharing, what you gave to say is important and people need to hear it:

      +Remind Someone of Purpose (personal or creative writing)

      +Release YOUr Dream testimony

      +”Inspired Sincerely by Someone Inspired” real life stories

      +Personal Stories of Learned, Learning, and “I wish someone told me or I learned this when…”

                 Etc…

Any format is welcome whether you just discovered your dream, recently realized that the dream your living isn’t your own, just starting to live out your dreams, currently walking/living out your dream, and so on. Posts should be 300-700 words but the limit is flexible. If you take the time to write and share something you’re proud of, I believe someone will read it & be inspired, Agreed?

Please read past posts before submitting.

Also, important to note: GYC Girl YOU Crazy encourages submitters that are:

+Sisters, Moms, Young People, Daughters, Business Women, Accomplished Professionals, Positive Thinking People, Supportive to Young People, Supportive of LEGAL aspirations (yes it is necessary to say that), Locator of your dreams…Do I have all good things covered?...And since YOU are still reading…YOU…yes, YOU should write a post!

Keep in mind that this is a blog by and for young women inspirers, inspired and in need of inspiration…DISCOURAGEMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED, NO MATTER WHAT!

E-mail your post to GYC.GirlYOUCrazy@gmail.com as a word doc attachment or as text in the body of the email with “Submission” in the Subject Line. PLEASE TITLE YOUR SUBMISSION and include your preferred name (username or as anonymous---your choice). GYC reserves the right to edit and revise all content submitted to GYC-GirlYOUCrazy.com.

Any other inquiries about GYC Girl YOU Crazy can be sent to LaurenAlicia@GYC-GirlYOUCrazy.com or send a Facebook message!

Let me say this: "Sometimes it only takes one time to inspire a dream forever."-The inner inspiration in YOU

Blow Through The Stop Sign…s!

You’re taught to stop at all stop signs, look around, and proceed when it’s clear…in driving. But…In life, when a “stop sign” comes, we don’t always proceed when it’s clear…instead we take it as a sign to STOP and not move forward.

“I don’t know what stopped or is stopping you but every dream you envisioned is on the other side of that lil stop sign.” –Success Winner Risk-Taker (yep, that’s my full name)

Remember that moment when you started something that you didn’t realize you would soon love but then something opposing/challenging/conflicting happened and you thought…

            +Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be

            +I didn’t like it in the beginning anyway…anyhow

            +I didn’t want to do it from the start

            +Maybe I learned all that I needed to learn and now it’s time to move on

            +Well…at least I didn’t get too into it

            +You know “so and so” told me not to do this…that’s why they didn’t do it

                        And the list goes on!

            By the way, some of those were thoughts of mine these last 2 weeks…"life is a process…WE must commit!"

Personal Story (this is a recent story…so there will be gaps…I’ll let your imagination fill them!):

So recently, I was offered the opportunity to do something professionally that I said I would never do…and at a time when the things I do love just started to pick up/progress/step up/move forward in the direction of my liking (you still following? Yes, okay good). But because it was offered, I entertained the thought with a little bit of attitude (does this sound like “Questionable Closed Door” or what?!?---Note to self: Take My Own Advice…I think! Keep reading).

Please note, that this opportunity has different steps…just because it was offered doesn’t mean that you can climb the steps…you have to study and commit in order to climb the steps.

However, in studying, I became very interested and excited about this opportunity that I said I would never do, and realized the bigger picture as to why it was offered to me. Even though I realized why it was offered to me, I still semi-secretly did not want to do it…especially since there were tests attached to the studying!!!---I also, don’t like tests!

I passed the 1st set of tests…then I had to pass the last and final test/examination to fully accept the offered opportunity…I went in to take the exam…and I FAILED by 4 points!!!!!!! STOP SIGN…STOP SIGN!!!!!!

I wasn’t upset about failing, I actually was relieved with a smile on my face… as the lady who gave me my score seemed a bit upset for me… as I smirked a little. I went home and said, “I AM NOT TAKING THAT TEST AGAIN…THAT WAS SIGN!!!”

But in the midst of all the stop signs… I put up myself, I was reminded of that bigger picture…so I studied harder and smarter to retake the exam 2 days later with a much better attitude of “I’M PASSING THIS TEST”…and I PASSED…I PASSED…I WAS SOoo happy and grateful that I PASSED!---I really wanted it this time…I Blew right through the Stop Signs…even the ones I put up myself!

             **Note about this story: It’s really interesting how things/opportunities are set up for us to receive…but not forced upon us. You/We have to be willing to receive…to receive!**

Sometimes “Stop Signs” appear in our life because:

+We… put them there

+Other people… put them there

+Stuff or lack of stuff… put them there

+Doubt, Mistakes, Lack of Confidence, Lack of Vision-BigPicture Vision…put them there

+Lack of Knowledge or too much Knowledge… put them there

Sometimes stop signs will come one after another but some are meant for you to proceed when clear or when your vision is clear…or simply blow through! You’ll know what to do when you recognize it’s a stop sign.

Just like on the road, stop signs will always appear in your, mine, and our life too…but just like on the road, you look around, and proceed when it’s clear…sometimes you’ll just have to make it clear with your confidence, boldness and spunk! A Stop Sign is but a Stop Sign, not a dead end…proceed when clear or better yet…BLOW THROUGH IT!!!

GYC Last Thought Commentary:

Take a trip down memory lane…remember all the other stop signs you went through (people said you shouldn’t, couldn’t, wouldn’t make it, you’re not smart, tall, pretty, cool, etc. enough…and everything else)??? So why stop at this one? BLOW THROUGH THE STOP SIGN…S!

Only YOU Can STOP YOU!

Questions from Monday's #SheNOWChat

In case you missed Monday's #SheNOWChat- TwitterChat...here are the questions! Feel free to add your answers and I might mention them in Monday's Post!

Q1: What do you wish you knew before starting College/secondary School and/or your 1st job?

Q2: What did you think you lacked in achieving your dream/goal but realized you had all along?

Q3: What do you know for sure about the path you took, to be where

you are today (goal-setting)?

Q4: If someone attached a quote to your name…what would you want it to be?

Q5: What advice would you give a young woman who is feeling pressure to take a different path than the one she wants to follow?

Q6: Besides writing them down, what advice do you have about turning ideas into reality?

Q7: When looking back, what phrases/quotes guided you through pressuring moments?

 

 

 

Leave comments Below or on Facebook!

My Dream is Mine and Yours is Yours

“Stop trying to live your life through ______(fill-in-the-blank), you have your own!”

&

“You have big shoes to fill!” Response: “No I don’t! I have MY OWN!”

 -The inner you telling negative Nellies (unisex) to SHUT UP!

So often, we are born with expectations. A dream given and not birthed, actions always seeming to fall short, close but not quite! It seems like we’re always trying to prove naysayers wrong with our forced actions…

Taking a look back at “Put Pride Aside and Look in the Mirror,” I’m reminded of the few to many times we’ve become something that we were never intended to be, and looking in the mirror (self-evaluation), we realized (quiet or in a scream, as a thought or out loud) “This is NOT my dream or HOW to get there!”

“Trying to live out someone’s dream, imagination or desire is like trying to walk in shoes that are too big…you fall!” –The Truth

It seems like every dream or goal of significance I’ve had was packaged real tight with opposition, and didn’t stand a chance if I didn’t fight to keep them! I’ve watched people give in to negative comments, allowing the expectations of others to become the instructions on “how to live Your life successfully”… And people’s failed dreams find new hope in others that resemble them!...Sound familiar???

This story will have NO enthusiasm, just Truth:

I ran track in middle and high school, went All-State with my relay team… as a result my father wanted me to continue this as long as I could, as in go to college and continue to run track. Pause here (*important note*): I’ve been designing since the 5th grade with aspirations of becoming a fashion designer, and the only college that I wanted to go to since then (if college was a must) was Parsons School of Design (where you design the track, not run on it (for sport)).

Back to the story: I received great opposition in doing well in this sport and not wanting to continue, “Many people don’t do well in sports and wish they could be in your shoes,” my response “Do they/you want to trade?!” After going All-State, I discontinued running track, and I put on the full body armor & boxing gloves to fight for my dream, the reality I want to be in. I decided that my dream was more important than pleasing any noun (you know: person, place or thing)!

To be clear: I ran track because

+ I was good at it… NOT passionate about it

+You get metals & attention

+My teammates were funny

+My picture will be on the Wall of Fame at my high school as long as that building exist

++At that time, Not now…”It was all about me!” (Which is dangerous!)++

But what was beyond me and held my deepest desires is to be a fashion designer and help businesses (before, after, and during). I kept fighting, came, saw & graduated from Parsons School of Design’s (BBA) D+M Business program, and the fight continues!

I don’t regret defending my dream.

Let me say this: We were all created to do something great, whether it impacts 1 or 100 Million! Don’t let the fact that someone else didn’t get to live out their dream/desire/imagination become the reason you change or don’t live yours.

Each and every dream, talent and desire within you is designed especially for YOU and no one else can accomplish it but YOU! No guilt, no shame or dirty looks is worth making someone else proud, when you are not proud or passionate about what you create, achieve and present to the world.

YOU don’t owe anyone’s dream achievement but your own!

--- My Dream is Mine and Yours is Yours

Follow @GYCGirlYOUCrazy on Twitter & Like us on Facebook!!! Thanks in Advance!

GYC Girl YOU Crazy...Welcome (text version)

 

“The imagination allows access to the things unseen and yet to be!”-Your Imagination

Have you ever thought the wildest thought, imagined the most amazing situation, and dreamed your biggest dream?

Then thought about it again, and said,

-“No”

-”Never”

-”I can’t believe this”

-“That would never happen to me”??

           

So you call up your friend, talk to your parent(s) and/or anyone that catches your attention, and you begin to reveal/unveil/release/share this vision that you had and their response is “Girl YOU Crazy” (in whatever manner, shape or form). Laughing it off, you agree by saying, “yea you’re right” or “why did I tell you?”

 As you keep thinking about it, there seems to be signs of it everywhere, you begin to investigate this wild vision but as you attempt/try/train for this vision to be in your reality, the comment that you laughed off “Girl YOU Crazy” screams, “I can never make this happen, it was just a dream, thought or so unlike me to achieve…nevermind, I can’t do it,” and you never finish it, or even start it.

What’s crazy is that the most playful or simplest response that we thought we laughed/brushed off can be the most significant deciding factor of whether or not we go after our heart’s deepest desire. It can determine that it’s not worth your time to try it out or even see if you could win, because odds are you are just going to fail. This voice replaying in your head “Girl YOU Crazy” and now you’re starting to agree.

GYC Girl YOU Crazy exist as an inspiration source, outlet, hand up, support, testimonial release location, fuel station, dream builder, reminder of purpose… whatever you need to move forward and see your dreams, desires of your heart as a reality or help/support to remember or dream a new dream.

We often forget in the midst of discouragement, the root of which our vision was birthed, our imagination. When we change our perspective and connotations of frequently used/ popular phrases, sayings or subjects that have discouraged us in the past & present, we can finish or start anything with confidence and expectation as our imagination has free range.

GYC Girl YOU Crazy: Flipping the meaning of something playful that can discourage, keeping it playful but using the phrase as fuel to accomplish/complete/finish and live your dream with great expectation & a smile!

Your Imagination is the one of the most amazing places to be (at any age)…

GYC Girl YOU Crazy...Welcome!

Welcome to GYC Girl YOU Crazy be sure to follow on Twitter @gycgirlyoucrazy for all day, everyday encouragement, smile, support...all of that!

GYC Girl YOU Crazy...

GYC Girl YOU Crazy: Flipping the meaning of something playful that can discourage, keeping it playful but using the phrase as fuel to accomplish/complete/finish and live your dream with great expectation & a smile. GYC Girl YOU Crazy exist as an inspiration source, outlet, hand up, support, testimonial release location, fuel station, dream builder, reminder of purpose… whatever you need to move forward and see your dreams, desires of your heart as a reality or help/support to remember or dream a new dream for girls, young women, women at any age!

Twitter @gycgirlyoucrazy, Blogger, Facebook.com/gyc.girlyoucrazy…and Events with Partnerships & Collaborations to come!